What to expect on the CPC exam
AAPC's current CPC exam tests 17 areas of knowledge, with most questions presented as coding scenarios involving CPT®, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM. The exam concludes with 10 cases that test your ability to read and code medical records.
Seven ways to prepare effectively
Make sure you have learned the coding foundation
Exam review cannot replace foundational coding education. Before concentrating on test strategy, you should understand medical terminology, anatomy, ICD-10-CM, CPT®, HCPCS Level II, coding guidelines, modifiers, documentation concepts, and professional-fee coding.
Know your code books
The CPC exam is open book, but four hours is not enough time to learn where information is located during the test. Practice navigating the CPT® Professional, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II books you plan to use. AAPC currently highly recommends current-year books and permits the current or immediately preceding year's books under its exam policy.
Practice application, not just recall
Work through coding scenarios and explain why an answer is correct. Review guidelines and notes that changed your code selection. The goal is to recognize how documentation, code-set instructions, modifiers, and guidelines work together.
Practice under a clock
Four hours for 100 questions averages about 2.4 minutes per question. You will not spend exactly the same amount of time on every item, but timed practice helps you learn when to move forward rather than getting stuck on one difficult question.
Identify weak areas before exam day
Use practice questions to identify patterns. If you repeatedly struggle with a code-set section or concept, return to the underlying material instead of simply repeating the same questions. Focused review is more useful than repeatedly studying what you already know.
Use realistic practice exams
Practice exams can help you become familiar with question style, timing, and the testing process. AAPC itself recommends practice exams as a way to gauge readiness. Review rationales carefully rather than treating the score as the only useful result.
Know the exam-day rules
Review AAPC's current rules before test day, including approved books, allowable notes and tabs, identification, testing-center or at-home proctor requirements, and prohibited materials. Policies can change, so use AAPC's current exam instructions rather than an old checklist.
Choose support based on where you are now
Someone who has never learned coding needs something different from a student who has already finished a CPC course and only needs final exam preparation.
I still need to learn CPC coding
If you are new to coding and want a structured live experience, explore MediCode Bootcamp's three-week instructor-led CPC Boot Camp.
Live CPC ClassesI need flexibility + an instructor
If you still need full CPC training but cannot commit to an intensive schedule, consider self-paced training with weekly instructor sessions and 12 months of access.
Self-Paced CPC TrainingI already completed a CPC course
If you have already completed coding education and are now focused on the certification exam, you may need an exam review rather than another full course. MediCode Bootcamp offers a separate CPC Certification Exam Review for this stage.
CPC Exam Review & Study GuideDo not confuse speed with readiness
Because the CPC exam is timed, speed matters—but speed comes from understanding the material and knowing how to navigate your references. Build accuracy first, then use timed practice to improve efficiency.
If you are unsure whether you need full CPC training or only exam review, call or text Jenifer at (574) 213-8793.
CPC Exam Preparation FAQ
How many questions are on the CPC exam?
AAPC's current CPC exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions.
How much time do you get?
You have four hours to complete the exam, which averages approximately 2.4 minutes per question.
What score do you need to pass?
An overall score of 70% or higher is required. That means at least 70 correct answers out of 100.
Is the CPC exam open book?
Yes. AAPC permits approved CPT® Professional, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II code books. Review AAPC's current rules on book years, notes, and tabs before exam day.
Should I take practice exams?
Practice exams can help with timing, question format, and identifying weak areas. They are most useful when you review why answers are right or wrong rather than simply memorizing responses.
Do I need a CPC course or just an exam review?
If you have not yet learned the coding foundation, start with full training. If you have completed coding education and understand the material but need concentrated exam preparation, a CPC exam review may be a better fit.
Where can I learn more about the certification process?
Read our step-by-step CPC certification guide, our CPC timeline guide, or our CPC certification cost guide.
More CPC resources: How to Get CPC Certified · CPC Certification Cost · CPC Certification Timeline · CPC Exam Prep · CPC Exam Review
Not sure what you need before the CPC exam?
Talk directly with Jenifer. We can determine whether you need full CPC training, a flexible self-paced program, or focused CPC exam review.
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